We’re just 36 days away from the opening day of Carowinds‘ 2016 season — a season that promises to build on park’s successful 2015 campaign with the rebranding and expansion of Carowinds’ existing Boomerang Bay water park into “Carolina Harbor,” and addition of the world’s first intra-active 3D experience in Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 3Z Arena.
Yet, we already have hints at what’s on the horizon for Carowinds in 2017. Coaster101 has confirmed the reports by Brady MacDonald of the Los Angeles Times and Katherine Peralta of the Charlotte Observer that Carowinds will be adding refurbished, vintage flat rides to the park for the 2017 season.
“We’ve been searching around the world for these rides, and can’t wait to bring them to Carowinds next year!” said Laresa Thompson, public relations manager for Carowinds.
The Huss Troika known as “The Crow’s Nest” at he now closed Loudoun Castle in Scotland. Photo: ThemeParkReview User DandAyr
The rides will come to Carowinds after thrilling riders for decades at several different parks around Europe. Monty Jasper, chief ride curator for Cedar Fair, led the search for the classic rides, which was first announced in August.
“To be honest, I was surprised at all we found.” Jasper told the Los Angeles Times.
In all, Jasper spent $7 million on the classic attractions in Europe, including a Huss Breakdance from Holiday Park in Germany, a Huss Troika from the now-closed Loudoun Castle in Scotland, and five rides from Dutch refurbisher Corroy Consulting; a Mondial Top Scan, a Mack Music Express, a Zierer Wave Swinger, a Huss Condor, and an additional Huss Troika.
The search is not over, however as Jasper is visiting Japan this month to continue his search for more vintage attractions.
Though the exact rides coming to Carowinds have not been announced by the park, Thompson noted that they were all perfect for younger riders and families, part of the park’s initiatives to become more family-friendly.
“We’re classifying these rides as ‘tweeners,'” Thompson told us. “They’re great for younger riders who may have outgrown the attractions at Planet Snoopy, but aren’t necessarily ready for our larger roller coasters like Intimidator or Fury 325.”
The London Cab Ride; A Huss Breakdance at the former Hard Rock Park. Photo: Themeparksushi.com
“The rides definitely provide a ‘classic nostalgia’ feel for families as well,” Thompson continued. “Parents will see the rides that they rode as children, and now they’ll be able to share the experience with their own children. It will be another great way to create memories at Carowinds.”
Carowinds will make a formal announcement about the new additions later this summer.
For more information, be sure to visit Carowinds’ Website, and to follow the park on Facebook and Twitter. And stay tuned to Coaster101.com for more great Caro-Blogger content!
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